We announced a unique series on our blog back in May 2017 called The Six Image Narrative. Since then we have featured about one hundred narratives from scores of different photographers in the toy photographer community. Have you ever considered submitting a six image narrative of your own? You should!
As described in that initial post, a six image narrative is a cohesive story told in just six images. Shelly wrote,
The idea behind this new series is to create a six image narrative that somehow tells a greater, more complete story than one image can. Your story can be linear story, it can be a thematic story, it can be a story held together by technique. Whatever method you use, by combing six images, you’re able to tell a new story. The hope is that you create a story that has a greater impact than only one single photo can have.
Anybody who reads our blog and does toy photography is welcome to submit a six image narrative of their own for consideration. But first, the six image narrative guidelines!
The Guidelines
If you would like to participate in the Six Image Narrative, please follow these guidelines:
- Six images in the narrative itself, no more and no less.
- There needs to be a clear connection between the images. (Style, content, story, etc.)
- The sum of the group should be greater than the individual images.
- Bonus points for allegory.
- Quality images! We want to see your best work.
- You may include one to two paragraphs of explanation or supporting text such as: narrative, description, quotes, poem, etc.
- This is a toy photography blog, so don’t forget the toys!
- The work must be your own.
Exceptions have been made for almost any of these guidelines, but this should give you something to work with! For ideas, you can browse samples of our Six Image Narratives.
How To Submit Your Work
We are always looking for excellent six image narratives to feature! Once you’ve created your six image narrative head over to our Google Form to enter your information and upload your images. We will review your submission and let you know if we decide to use it!
Recent Six-Image Narratives
Bumblebee has returned to pollinate
For the past few years I have been capturing Bumblebee the Transformer as if it were a real bumblebee pollinating trees around Seattle. It’s just a fun silly little shoot I do each year now [...]
The Basics – Photographing toys in water
[updated March 2026] I’ve been taking photos in and around water for as along as I've been a photographer. There is something magical about water; the movement, the sound, the reflections. Being in and around [...]
Watch your back! A Six Image Narrative
We probably don't often look at the backs of minifigures. Even us toy photographers usually take pictures of figures from the front. Meanwhile, some figures have a lot going on on their backs! The designers [...]
LEGO Time Machine from Back to the Future Photos
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads! LEGO recently released the LEGO Time Machine from Back to the Future and our trusty toy photography contributors created some imagery to showcase this set. Chellie (@littleplanetchell) [...]
Toy Photographer Feature: Matt McDonald
Hello! My name is Matt McDonald and not only do I post my toy art on this website and socials I also keep this website running. I live in Seattle, Washington, and have been a [...]
AI is ruining toy photography [a personal viewpoint]
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One Piece: A Symbol of Freedom
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Photographing toys in real snow
Certain parts of North America have been getting dumped on in the last few weeks. Which is the perfect opportunity to take the toys outside for some cold weather fun! Here are a few tips [...]
What’s the best technique for adding haze to your scene?
If you don't already have a smoke machine, you're probably wondered where to start. What technique creates the best effect and how much will this set you back. In this post we’re going to explore [...]